Combination walking cane and pickup device

ABSTRACT

A walking cane that provides a remote internal object gripping mechanism is described. The gripping mechanism is comprised of gripping prongs which is part of a connecting rod linkage to the upper structure of the walking cane. The gripping prongs and rod linkage is controlled within an inner sleeve at the lower end of the cane which houses the gripping prongs when the mechanism is in the retracted position. The inner sleeve also serves as a base for the end of the cane housing when inserted into the cane tip. The rod linkage is actuated in a down and up motion to obtain a complete gripping action. The upper end of the rod linkage extends thru a slotted portion of the cane wherein is attached an inner spacer and an outer knob. The spacer prevents the rod linkage from protruding thru the slotted opening. In the full retracted position the gripping mechanism can be locked by rotating it in a clockwise position. To actuate the pickup device, unlock the gripping device by moving the outer knob counter clockwise then a downward stroke to extend the gripping mechanism to its maxium position thus opening the prongs of the device. Extend over object to be retreived and retract the knob thus snaring up the desired item thus saving the cane user to stoop.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a walking cane provided with a inner hidden device for a ambulatory user and assists to pickup items from any position.

[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0005] Many attemps have been made in the prior art to deal with ambulatory assistance devices for the elderly or the handicapped. Canes and walking sticks have been provided with various accessories as are noted in the following prior art patents. The most perinent prior art patents for walking canes provided with accessories of various types may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,763,872 to Gooley; 4811750 to Mc Allistet. 5392800 to Sergi, and 5636650 to Kroeze.

[0006] The Gooley patent sets forth a walking cane having a pickup device for use at the lower end of the walking cane. The lower end is formed as a hollow tublar member that receives a complementary telescoping post. The lower end of the post serves as a frictional tip for the cane. The post has a outside gripper in the form of one or more fingers extending longitudinally alongside it which moves longitudinally with the post and are received within the tubular end of the cane when the post is recessed. The gripper is spring biased to permit protrude radially outward from the post when the post is extended.

[0007] The Mc Allister patent sets fort a walking cane with extensible fingers for retrieving and picking up objects. The cane has a hollow body and an opening at its lower end. A finger assembly is mounted within the lower portion of the cane and moveable between a retracted closed position and an extended open position, also a finger assembly including an elongated actuating rod extending within the cane.

[0008] The Sergi patent sets forth a walking cane having a pickup device mounted externally on the post of the cane. The remote object gripping mechanisum is comprised of a trigger gripping claw and connecting linkage of a cable. The trigger is mounted on the cane adjacent the handle and is actuated to move the cable, which is mounted inside the cane.

[0009] The Kroeze patent sets forth a walking cane having a handle and trigger inside a hollow body ajacent to the hand portion of the cane. The cane has a telescopically mounted portion so as to adjust the length of the cane and trigger means is actuated so as to rotatably move arm outwardly from a slotted opening within the bottom portion of the cane to pickup remote objects. The clamping device is externally mounted.

SUMMARY

[0010] In accordance with the present invention a hollow tubular cane with a inner sleeve which houses a four prong spring attached to a rod, acting as a pickup device with a safety locking feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompany drawings illusrates the invention.

[0012]FIG. 1 is a full view showing the cane assembly embodying the invention gripping prongs in a locked position.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a side view illustration of the invention, showing the gripping prongs at full extension with an end view showing the configuration of the gripping prongs.

[0014]FIG. 3 is an exploded half section view of the invention, illustrating the inner mechanical requirements of the prefered embodiment. The embodiment illustrates the extended operational position for the pickup device.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a exploded half section view of the invention illustrating the inner mechanical requirements of the prefered embodiment. The embodiment illustrates the retracted locked position for the pickup device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0016] As show in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention is concerned with an improved walking cane device, generally desgnated in the accompanying drawing by the reference number 10 in FIGS. 1-4.

[0017] With reference to FIG. 1, the walking cane pickup device 10 with a tube 30 and the pickup device a knob 40 in upper locked position. A cane handle 50 is formed from tube 30 or any attachable type handle. Tube 30 may be of any length with a rubber foot 38 on the end of the cane.

[0018] With reference to FIG. 2, the walking cane pickup device 10 illustrates the overall configuration with the pickup device knob 40 in the full extended position with prongs 23 and 25 in position for pickup mode.

[0019]FIG. 3, shows the lower half section of the walking cane device 10 with the prong assembly 27 in maxium extended position made of mold assembly 23, 25 and 28 extending up thru a spacer 29 into knob 40 secured by screw 31. A sleeve 35 is retained by rubber foot 38 and yube 30. A slotted oppening 33 in tube 30 guides rod 28 part of prong assemly 27 to the maxium extension.

[0020]FIG. 4, shows the lower half section of the walking cane device 10 with prong assembly 27 in its locked position with fingers 23, 25 and rod 28 extending up thru spacer 29 into knob 40 secured by screw 31. The sleeve 35 is retained by the rubber foot 38 and tube 30. The knob 40 when fully retracted is moved in a clockwise direction into a locking slot 33 to lock prong assembly 27 in position. 

1. A walking cane pickup device comprising: A four prong pickup device hidden inside the walking cane. Operated by an extension rod assembly that can be locked at the upper end of the cane. Then extended out of the bottom of the cane into an operational mode for pickup.
 2. The walking cane sets forth in claim 1 comprising: An inner sleeve that houses the four prong pickup device assembly when the cane is operational. The inner sleeve is secured in place by the canes rubber foot and the main tube body of the cane.
 3. The walking cane set forth in claim 2 comprising: An locking device to insure that the four prong pickup assembly dose not accidently extend while in use, causing injury to the user. 